In 1994, the world was introduced to five twenty-something-year-olds navigating through life in the Big Apple. Friends became a social phenomenon. One that still to this day remains relevant and loved, with characters that are still held true to our hearts.
In 2023, Matthew Perry overdosed and drowned in the hot tub of his California home, leaving a hole in Hollywood and opening the door to a world unknown. Netflix now takes on his life story in their new limited docu-series, The One About Matthew Perry.
The documentary takes a heartbreaking glance at Perry’s life and tragic death. He was best known for his wit, humor and charm, yet behind the laughter and the television screen, he carried a more complicated and painful story.
Before gaining his breakout role as Chandler Bing, Perry prayed for the first time in his life. Telling God that he would do whatever He wanted, as long as He made him famous. Perry got his wish, but forgot there was a catch. Fame did not solve his problems. It did not fill what he needed in order to feel normal or happy. It wasn’t enough. Alcohol filled the gap. Parties, clubs, whole bottles — they all started to crack at the already salted wounds of his life and upbringing. While filming Fools Rush In alongside Salma Hayek (Eternals), Perry suffered a jet ski injury that began his lifelong journey with drug addiction.
As hard as he tried to keep it hidden, those that cared for and loved him knew from the beginning. Over the course of his life, Perry went to rehab over 15 times. His sister, Mia Perry Bowick, shared that his one-year sobriety anniversary was always around her birthday, and he never could really make it. Through the hardships, Perry used his struggles and journey to advocate for others in similar situations. Within his memoir, through talks, and AA meetings, he became a mentor and a life saver for many suffering with addiction. He, however, became an afterthought himself.
The documentary is emotional in its material, and absolutely devastating in the wake of its honesty and reality. The concept of addiction in response to fame is not new in Hollywood. As we’ve seen stars leave this world in very similar fashions. Success does not equal happiness. This limited series explores Perry’s timeline and the struggles he faced leading to his death and the trial that surrounded it. It shows a side of his life that many were not aware of, and that fans may never fully understand.
Throughout the three episodes, viewers hear testimonials from his loved ones and those who had the opportunity to know and work with him. It shows a glimpse of his thoughts through interviews and clips of his work. It is like a giant puzzle, finally bringing together the pieces that left much of the world in confusion.
The series serves as a reminder to look beyond the smiles and photo ops. It leaves the audience thinking about the disease that is addiction, vulnerability, and the importance of compassion. Perry was not just an actor; he was not just Chandler Bing; he was a human who made a lasting impact on the world and the people around him, and whose struggle was dealt with in the shadows. His legacy is intertwined with this series, sharing his story with empathy.
